Pastoral Care and Well-Being

Why Pastoral Care at Leweston Works

Personalised & Proactive: Because we know our pupils so well, we can monitor emotional needs alongside academics and intervene quickly when needed.
Expert, Accessible Support: On‑site nurses, weekly doctors’ clinics, a walk‑in counsellor, and a Pastoral Lead ensure timely, professional help is always available.
Peer‑Powered Culture: Prefects, mentors and Councils give pupils agency, building confidence, community and a sense of responsibility.
Healthy Habits: Nutritionally‑balanced meals, hydration routines and transparent labelling empower pupils to make informed choices every day.

A Whole‑School Commitment

A great deal of emphasis is placed on pastoral care across the Senior School. Support is multi‑layered, involving teachers, pastoral professionals and peers who work collaboratively to provide timely, compassionate help and guidance.

First Line: Daily Tutor Care

Your child’s first point of contact is their Tutor, seen daily and responsible for monitoring both academic progress and personal wellbeing. Tutors are backed by a wider team including Heads of Year, the Director of Boarding and the Deputy Head Pastoral. This integrated approach helps us identify needs early and respond sensitively and effectively.

Keystone Leadership: Heads of Year

Heads of Year (HoYs) oversee tutor teams and maintain an overview of progress, welfare and behaviour. They liaise across academic staff, boarding, individual needs and wellbeing, ensuring pupils receive the right support, at the right time, from the right people.

Why It Matters

We recognise that physical and mental health significantly influence both academic performance and enjoyment of school. That’s why overseeing health and wellbeing sits at the core of our provision, with safe spaces across campus and staff trained to listen, empathise, advise and mentor.

The Well‑Being Hub

Leweston’s Well‑Being Hub is staffed by two highly experienced nurses and hosts weekly clinics for boarders with local doctors at the Apples Surgery in Sherborne, with pupils able to choose a male or female doctor. Beyond clinical care, our nurses help pupils take responsibility for their health and serve as a trusted listening ear.

All pupils can access the School Counsellor who is available weekly via a walk‑in clinic in the Hub or pre‑booked appointments.

The school has created a full‑time, non‑teaching Pastoral Lead role who supports pupils with resilience, friendship issues and emotional development and runs parent seminars on topics such as supporting an anxious teen, coping with exams and getting enough sleep.

PSHRE Curriculum

As part of the curriculum, pupils have PSHRE (Personal, Social, Health & Relationships Education) sessions that provide age‑appropriate guidance on relationships, mental health, money, drugs, alcohol and more, supplemented by regular specialist speakers to deepen knowledge and skills.

Prefects & Student Leadership

Two Head Prefects lead a team of Senior Prefects who hold specific roles across the school. In addition to organisation, they actively support fellow Sixth Formers and younger pupils, nurturing a culture of responsibility and care.

Peer Mentoring

All Sixth Form students may apply to become Peer Mentors and receive training before pairing with a mentee, typically a new pupil, to offer friendship and advice during the first term. Some mentors support pupils who would benefit from an older peer’s guidance, and many mentoring relationships continue long after the first term.

School Council

The School Council meets termly, bringing representatives from all year groups together to share suggestions on school life. It is chaired by the Prefect responsible for pupil voice and reports to the Senior Leadership Team.

F.U.E.L Philosophy

Our catering partner, Lodestone House, provides three nutritious meals every day guided by the F.U.E.L – “Fuelling Unique Everyday Lives” philosophy. Menus feature locally sourced ingredients and are analysed by registered nutritionists to ensure a diverse, balanced offer pupils can trust.

Lunches, Breakfasts & Suppers

At lunch, pupils can choose meat and vegetarian options, plus a jacket potato and pasta bar, daily homemade soup and salads, with a range of puddings available. Boarders enjoy similar choice at breakfast and supper, including themed nights featuring cuisines from around the world. Clear labelling helps pupils make informed choices that meet nutritional needs and sustainability objectives.

Meals are eaten in the Dining Hall, with pupils free to sit with friends or their chosen group. Tea is provided for those staying after school for clubs or homework. Pupils are expected to bring a water bottle and drink throughout the day; the daily food menu is available via the Parent Portal.